How you speak tells volumes about you. Every business professional should be able to express themselves clearly and effectively.

Review the following nouns, and focus on the ones that are unfamiliar to you. Memorize their pronunciation and their meanings, and try to use them in your daily speech until you feel comfortable with them. Start out with a few at a time, and only move on to others when you feel they are a natural part of your vocabulary.

1. responsibility: accountable for something within one's powerExample: It is our team's responsibility to complete this project by the deadline.

2. development: growth, progressExample: John is very happy with the latest developments in our research.

3. issue: something that is printed or published, a point in question or a matter that is in disputeExample 1: I just received the new issue of Business Weekly. (something published)Example 2: My issue with your analysis is that it contains several errors. (point in question or matter that is in dispute).

4. verification: evidence that confirms the truth of somethingExample: We received verification of your current driver's license.

5. instance: an example, an occurrence of somethingExample: In this instance, I believe John is correct.

6. authorization: give power or controlExample: My manager gave me full authorization on this project.

7. circumstances: state of affairs in one's lifeExample: While I understand the circumstances leading to this project's failure, I expect you to be able to handle your work.

8. effect: resultExample: Your efforts on this project will have a direct effect on its success.

9. affect: influence, a feeling or emotionExample: That movie was so sad that it had a great affect on me.

9. environment: setting or conditions in which something occursExample: This restaurant is such a wonderful and inviting environment in which to work.

10. inquiry: act of asking a question, an official investigationExample: The police conducted a formal inquiry regarding the child's kidnapping.

11. moot point: an idea that could be debated in the future, but is seen as irrelevant at the present time. Example: The decision to stop the project has already been made; it's a moot point now.

12. territory: a geographic region, area of landExample: Salesmen usually have a specific territory where they work.

13. assumption: something that is accepted as true without being provenExample: You make too many assumptions before you know important details.

14. possibility: likelihood, something that may happen or be the caseExample: It's certainly a possibility that you will get a promotion this year.

15. practice:operation, habitual or customary performanceExample: It is not our regular practice to have "casual Fridays" in this office.

16. concept: a general idea or notionExample: Your idea of working from home part-time is a great concept.

17. assertion: a positive statement or declaration, often without support or reasonExample: What are you basing your assertion on?

18. inspiration: something that encourages an ideaExample: My manager gave me the inspiration I needed to pursue my goals.

19. schematics: a diagram, plan, or drawingExample: The architect showed us the schematics of our addition.

20. attitude: manner, disposition, feelingExample: When you are at work, you need to lose your negative attitude.